The Jambos Move Eight Points Ahead Ahead at Top After Shankland's Penalty Kick Overcomes Celtic
History wasn't made at their home ground, as it's far too early for such achievements. This game highlighted is that the Edinburgh club possess a real serious opportunity of disrupting Scottish football's four decade-long title duopoly. They now lead by eight points for Hearts over Celtic, whom they easily dispatched. Try to chase them down.
Turning Point in the After the Break
A crucial three-minute spell proved decisive, after an opening period that was fiercely fought. The striking aspect after they extended their advantage was how untroubled the remainder of the game was for the Tynecastle team. Kyziridis scored Hearts’ second, drifting inside before firing a powerful effort past the motionless Kasper Schmeichel. Delight increased in the stands, Dane Murray upending Cláudio Braga for a foul that the captain tucked away. The Celtic manager cut such a disconsolate figure; he hardly has his troubles to seek.
The crowd erupted after Kyziridis (second right) scores to make it 2-1 against the opposition.
Celtic's Response
Celtic bounced back from an early setback. Dane Murray, who endured a torrid afternoon, conceded an own goal due to confusion when trying to remove a delivery from Shankland. Celtic edged their way back into the game, leader McGregor, finishing a Kieran Tierney cutback for level terms.
Hearts' Defensive Resilience
The shot-stopper Schwolow, who had saved superbly from Nygren in the first half, blocked an Arne Engels shot which flicked off Magnússon. Craig Halkett thwarted a Yamada attempt in added time. The hosts faced little else as the clock ticked down. “We remain resolute” has become the favoured chant at the stadium. It's hard to ignore the excitement.
- Detailed coverage to follow.
